April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and is a time when libraries can highlight resources for their communities that help prevent child abuse and raise awareness about prevention. The Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL) has several resources to help Idaho libraries strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect:
- Check out this handout on concrete ways libraries can strengthen families.
- Use these storytime plans (or create your own!) that focus on the five protective factors that help mitigate the effects of ACEs.
- Display pinwheels in front of your library during the month of April to represent what we want for every child: a healthy, happy, and carefree childhood. The ICfL can mail a limited number of pinwheels and a yard sign to your library. Order your free pinwheels and yard sign while supplies last. Orders must be placed by March 15, 2024.
- Learn more about Prevention Month and get resources from our partners at the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund.
- Find more about how libraries can get involved on our website: https://libraries.idaho.gov/rtm/read-to-me-resources/libraries-strengthen-families/
The past few years have been difficult for many Idaho families. Libraries have a unique role to play in strengthening families in their communities, especially during times of crisis. By providing access to resources and information, libraries can help families build protective factors that mitigate the effect of Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs. Strong families lead to better outcomes for children and reduced instances of child abuse and neglect. Thank you for all that you do to serve families in your community.
